Two sci-fi-heavy flicks in less than 24 hours. Check the Nine Words or Less reviews for Star Trekand Avatar.

Photo Courtesy of James Whatley

Avatar, if I may say, was a bit preachy for my taste. It had a bit of the Titanic “Capitalism … it’s bad” feel, with a nod to Native Americans, with a lot of creatures and impressive effects. Not sure I’d see it again. I will say my experience was lessened by the fact that I was sitting in a theater that was about 58 degrees next to a woman that kept sucking on her teeth and/or candy. I got to one point, as I also did with District 9, that I felt like audibly saying, “We GET it, [James/Neill]. We are bad, thoughtless, heartless, corrupt, greedy people. Can we get to the climax and resolution?” It was a bit too on the nose, but then again, so was Titanic. But this didn’t have Kate Winslet in beautiful dresses and Victor Garber acting stoic.

Also? Sam Worthington has the same acting flaw as Julian McMahon – inability to maintain an American accent for more than one sentence. Distracting. But a fun ride, and I’m glad we saw what the hype was all about. Also glad we bucked up the extra cash for the 3D “experience.” Though $24 for a pair of matinee tickets? Ouch.

And the previews reminded me that I fear I am tired of Tim Burton. I appreciate that he has his own recognizable style and approach, but everything is so strikingly similar these days. Johnny Depp is nutty! Helena Bonham Carter is crazy! Colors are vibrant! Score is all kooky minor-key dissonance! That said, his take on Alice in Wonderland should be interesting and entertaining. I’d just like to see what he would do with a minimal budget and a subdued story. Like Ed Wood, but with less maniacal Depp wandering around.

As Mr. Glib sits on the couch catching up on Dexter (thank God – have tried to keep him spoiler free for weeks now – I don’t watch, too depressing, but I read lots of Facebook updates), I defrost my bones and prepare for a nice evening at Piazza Bella. Good Italian food, warming wine, and the company and comfort of old friends. I’m thinking gnocchi or farfalle. And now I’m thinking I need a snack.